NFL Draft 2011: 10 Players Who Will Affect the Outcome of the 1st Round

The 2011 NFL draft is less than 12 hours away, and everyone is stirring in wonder of who their team will select in the first round.

Our opinions are molded by the Mel Kiper Jrs. and Todd McShays of the world. As usual, just one off-kilter pick could send the entire first round into a frenzy.

Let's take a look at some players whose slot in the first round could change the complexion of the entire first round.

Follow Erik Frenz on Twitter @erikfrenz.

Cam Newton

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Laptops and JUCO and unfair benefits. Oh, my!

If Cam Newton doesn't go first overall as many have predicted, there's no telling just how far he could fall. The issues surrounding his character would typically be enough to drive him into at least the middle of the first round, but Newton's physical abilities are supernatural. Those tools could be enough for him to be taken in the top 10.

With so much defensive talent in this draft, the quarterbacks could have a big impact on how this first round goes.

Nick Fairley

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Nick Fairley of Auburn looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

There are varying opinions on Nick Fairley's alleged character concerns, but as a one-year wonder at Auburn, there are questions about where Fairley could fall to.

Those character concerns may be unfounded, but the thought of Fairley being nothing more than a one-year wonder in college is worth considering.

Whether or not some teams have taken Fairley off their boards entirely remains to be seen. If a few teams pass on him, though, he could be in for a longer ride than expected in the first round.

Mark Ingram

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by M

I have no personal gripe with Ingram. He has all the tools to be a successful back in the NFL. The value of a first-round running back is falling to the wayside, as teams realize the success of a stable of two or more backs.

With 3,261 rushing yards and 42 rushing touchdowns to go with 670 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, there could just be too much production to pass up.

One of the savviest runners to come out of the draft in some time, Ingram carries the promise of a quick impact. Coaches whose jobs are on the line will certainly find value in that.

Mike Pouncey

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 and lineman Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators celebrate a win against the University of Arkansas Razorbacks October 17, 2009 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al M

Maurkice Pouncey was a solid pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL draft. He contributed immediately as the team's center, starting 16 games for the black and yellow.

As somewhat of a polarizing figure in the first round of the draft, Mike Pouncey has been projected anywhere from the top 10 to the bottom 10 of the first round. Where he ends up being taken remains to be seen, but it will definitely have an impact on the rest of the first round.

Mike's blood ties are certainly part of the reason for his rise up the boards, as he started the process as a second-round prospect.

Kyle Rudolph

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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 03: Kyle Rudolph #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs after making a catch against the Washington Huskies on October 3, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Washington 37-30 in overtime. (Pho

I wrote earlier this morning about rumors that Kyle Rudolph could be drafted earlier than expected. The comparisons to Rob Gronkowski may be a driving force behind that, because his college productivity certainly doesn't lend itself to first-round consideration.

The only question is, which teams exactly are in the market for a big-time tight end to take in the first round?

One thing is for certain: With so much defensive talent in this draft, it could be a tight end that is one of the biggest dominoes to fall in the first round.

Torrey Smith

Speed demons like Torrey Smith are the type of players that often leave scouts salivating after the NFL combine. Usually, those scouts are wearing black and silver (Raiders colors, for those living under a rock). Unfortunately for Smith, the Raiders don't have a pick in the first round.

The production is certainly there, unlike with his former teammate Darrius Heyward-Bey. With 1,055 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2010, including a 15.7 yards-per-catch average, Smith brings explosive potential to the wide receiver spot.

Depending on how drool-worthy scouts find Smith's athleticism, a reach on Smith could send the first round into a frenzy.

Colin Kaepernick

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 09: Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack throws the ball against Boston College during the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on January 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

According to RotoWorld, Colin Kaepernick's draft-day invite was fueled by several NFL teams informing the NFL that Kaepernick was indeed the top-rated quarterback on their boards.

Why shouldn't he be? He has the tangibles (arm strength, mobility) and intangibles (leadership, toughness, football IQ) to make a smooth transition to the NFL.

As most college quarterbacks do, he'll need some time to adapt to the pro-style offense. However, teams that are looking for the safest quarterback in the draft may find Kaepernick to be their most intriguing prospect.

Da'Quan Bowers

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Is anyone surprised that Bowers' name is on this list?

Once considered a consensus top-five pick, Bowers' stock has taken a huge hit over the past month due to arthroscopic knee surgery and the looming possibility of future microfracture surgery.

There are simply too many "ifs" surrounding Bowers to make him a safe pick. He is, however, one of the prospects with the most upside. His 2010 season with 15.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss were evidence of his potential.

Justin Houston

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs sacks quarterback Tevin Washington #13 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There's no denying Houston's skill as a pass rusher. With 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in his junior year, it's clear he knows how to get after the quarterback. The questions surround an inconsistent motor, with some believing he takes plays off (specifically running plays).

After failing a drug test at the NFL combine, Justin Houston could see his stock take yet another tumble.

The pass-rush potency Houston could potentially bring may be too much for a team to pass up, but if he somehow makes it out of the first round, he could be a great value pick for a team willing to take a chance on him in the early- or mid-second round.

Jimmy Smith

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Jeff Fuller #8 of the Texas A&M Aggies makes a reception against the defense of Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during NCAA college football action at Folsom Field on November 7, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado

Jimmy Smith is another prospect whose stock has been hurt by a checkered past. He has had a couple of run-ins with the law over drug and alcohol-related issues, and now there are rumors circulating via Bleacher Report featured columnist Matt Miller that he has failed three drug tests and developed a codeine addiction.

As Miller indicates, those most recent rumors could lead to a huge tumble the likes of which hasn't been seen since...well, last year, when Everson Griffen tumbled from the first round all the way to the fourth round.

There are also questions about where Smith's priorities lie. Many have speculated that his motivation is to become a "superstar" and not necessarily a top-notch football player.